Archive for 'Castles & Palaces'

Sirmione is a small town with a population of less than 9,000 which is located on Lake Garda. However, despite its relatively small size, it is jam-packed with things to see and do, history and architectural gems. The area has been settled since the Stone Age when it was probably home to fishermen who lived in houses on stilts on the banks of the lake.

One such settlement found nearby at Lugana Vecchia is part of the collection of such sites across a variety of countries in the vicinity of the Alps, including Slovenia, Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland and is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Montalbano Elicona is a comune in Sicily which is well known for its medieval splendour and the castle built by Emperor Frederic II that watches over its various hamlets. This year, its beauty and history have been recognised in a more official manner and the comune has been voted the Best Borgo in Italy, 2015.

Surely, this is the perfect excuse to find a luxury villa nearby in Sicily and experience it for yourself.

This prize has been awarded to the comune by “Alle Falde del Kilimangiaro”, a famous television show broadcasted by Italy’s national public broadcasting company, RAI.

Though the town of Gradara is populated by less than 5000 people, it is visited by 500,000 annually. This medieval town, one of the best preserved in Italy, has been awarded an Orange Flag for tourism due to its management and maintenance of the area.

Located in the Le Marche area, it is characterised by the castle that sits overlooking everything else and the two rings of medieval walls that surround. In fact, Gradara and its Fortress are inseparable, almost synonyms.

Why not find yourself a luxury villa in Le Marche region and plan a day trip to see it for yourself?

If you ever happen to find yourself staying in a vacation rental, in Turin, make sure you take the time to visit the Piazza Castello, known as the heart of the city. The Palazzo Reale dominates the piazza but it also houses the Palazzo Madama, Teatro Regio di Torino (Opera House), Biblioteca Reale (Royal Library) and the Torre Littoria (a leftover from the fascist era). Concerts and public events are often held in the square and it connects neatly with the nearby shopping districts.

The Piazza Castello was established in the 14th century by princes of the House of Savoy who wanted a space near the city walls and castle that could host dynastic events.

Located centrally in the regal city of Turin, the Palazzo Madama (or Palazzo Madama e Casaforte degli Acaja), sitting in Piazza Castello and surrounded by the likes of the Palazzo Reale, is a must-see. Not only is it a fascinating structure in its own right but it houses curiosities that really make the experience. If you're staying in a holiday rental nearby, make it a point to stop by.

The two towers above the building pre-date Christianity and the foundations in the basement and the remains of the praetorian door are Roman. Four turrets project from the current structure which are the remnants of the castle that was built there in the 14th century.